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Academy Decides Punishment for Will Smith

Will Smith Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has finally come to a decision on how to punish actor Will Smith for the scene he made during the 94th Oscars.

In an open letter sent earlier today, the Academy explained that Smith would be banned from attending the Oscars for ten years.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the letter states, in part,

“Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith’s actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards.”

The Academy also addressed Chris Rock and his family, saying,

We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast.

Recap: Will Smith Slapped Chris Rock at the 94th Oscars

Will Smith Chris Rock Oscars

Credit: ABC

As we have previously covered, comedian Chris Rock appeared on stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles to announce the winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary. In a short lead-up to the nominees, the comedian had a few lines to say, and that included a joke about Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith. Rock likened Pinkett-Smith to G.I. Jane as she was all but completely bald due to her alopecia. While the bit got some laughs, the Smiths were not too keen about it.

Smith then got up from his seat, walked right up to Rock, and slapped him across the face. He then walked back to his seat, shouting obscenities, ordering Rock, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f*cking mouth!” Rock kept his composure and kept the show going, but the video of the slap was already going viral across the internet.

Will Smith Oscars

Credit: The New Yorker, Photograph by Blaine Ohigashi / A.M.P.A.S

Read More: ‘Love Will Make You Do Crazy Things’: Will Smith Defends Himself for Hitting Chris Rock at the Oscars

Smith would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Serena Williams’ father, Richard Williams, in the biopic film King Richard, and appeared to double down on his decision to act out as he did. Smith would later write an official apology over his social media and even voluntarily resign from the Academy, but it appears to have been too little too late.

No matter what roles Smith finds himself in, he will not be able to attend the Oscars for the next decade. It does not, however, appear that he will be stripped of his latest Oscar, and it is unclear if he will be eligible for further Oscar nominations.

will smith genie

Will Smith as the Genie in ‘Aladdin’ Credit: D23

The Fresh Prince had recently become more of a household name among Disney fans as he took on the role of the Genie in the live-action remake of Disney’s Aladdin and is the lead for National Geographic’s Disney+ series Welcome to Earth. 

About T.K. Bosacki

Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, TK Bosacki is a professional writer, amateur adventurer, and lifelong Disney Fanatic. His Disney Park days include Space Mountain, Tower of Terror, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Nomad Lounge. He believes in starting at the Canada pavilion (IYKYK), and the Monorail is superior to all Ferry Boats.

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